Box Score



NAMPA, Idaho — The Crusaders put on exactly the show a homecoming group of more than 3,000 wanted to see — a dominating victory over Bethesda (Calif.).

The Northwest Nazarene men's basketball team opened its season in earnest Friday night at the Johnson Sports Center, shooting 50.8 percent from the field and rolling past the Bethesda Flames, 95-73, in a nonconference match-up.
 

"It was a good start," said first-year NNU head coach Scott Flemming, whose team thrilled more than 2,000 NNU fans with an exhibition win over long-time rival The College of Idaho, 100-96 in overtime on Tuesday. "I thought we came out and played pretty intense defense.

"We still have a long way to go but we're in the W column."

Bouna N'Diaye got the Crusaders rolling with a pair of free throws then a jam in the opening two minutes, giving NNU (1-0 overall) an 8-4 lead, and the margin only got wider the rest of the night.

A Kyle Bailey 3 pushed the lead to 15-7 with six minutes gone, and a Mike Wright triple capped a 33-13 opening charge by the Crusaders in the first 11 minutes, virtually deciding the games outcome well before halftime.

That gave the Crusader homecoming crowd — many on hand to celebrate the induction of volleyball All-American Liz (Benear) Nixon and legendary volleyball coach Darlene Brasch into the NNU Athletic Hall of Fame — plenty to cheer about as they awaited the halftime Hall of Fame ceremony.

The Crusaders went into the break leading 60-40, and stretched their advantage to as much as 92-66 in the second half.
 

N'Diaye led the way for NNU with 23 points in the win, including hitting 4-of-5 from 3-point range just three nights after he went 3-for-4 from deep against the Coyotes.

"It was very good," N'Diaye said of the team's two wins this week, "it gives us confidence for the next games coming up in the season."

As for his prolific outside shooting, Coach Flemming chimed in: "We knew Bouna could slash and shoot a little bit, but he's been a great 3-pointer shooter. We hope he keeps that up."

Mike Wright added 19 points and eight assists in the NNU victory, while Detwon Rogers had 17 points and Joel Devastey tossed in 16 and grabbed six rebounds for the Crusaders, who next host Cal State L.A. next Saturday (Nov. 21) at 7 p.m.